News

Aberdeen councillor suspended from party following sexual harassment complaint

The Scottish Conservative party has suspended Aberdeen City Council’s depute provost following a police investigation into a sexual harassment allegation made against the councillor.

The party announced that Alan Donnelly, who represents the Torry and Ferryhill ward, was immediately suspended from the party after receiving what it described as a “serious complaint,” with The Press and Journal reporting that it is understood the alleged incident took place at a civic function in Holburn Street following a remembrance event last November.

Donnelly will continue to be paid as depute provost despite not being allowed to carry out civic duties.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland has been aware of an allegation of this nature.

“Inquiries are at an early stage.”

A Scottish Conservative party spokesman said on 8 January the party received a serious complaint about Donnelly.

The spokesman added: “We were also informed that a complaint had also been made to the police. As is normal in these circumstance, Cllr Donnelly was immediately suspended from the party.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokeswoman said: “We have received formal notification from his group that Cllr Donnelly has been suspended by the Scottish Conservative and Unionist Party pending an investigation and will not take part in any civic duties during this period.”

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